Similar Techniques

It is a technique where the user affects the air currents around him with ki to produce powerful shockwaves in order to strike the opponent.

It can be used to attack or counter some techniques and can be used in different ways, as invisible punches, powerful screams, a shockwave glare (called Kiai Ho, -気合砲- lit. "Kiai Cannon") or even air explosions coming from the entire body. The counter version used to dispel weaker attacks is called Kiai Keshi in Daizenshuu 7, as shown by Tien Shinhan and Pikkon on a few occasions.

Contents

Overview

Gohan, as the Golden Fighter, using a Kiai

The blast's power, speed, range, and force vary based on its user; however, there are also variations of the technique that have been shown to have different effects. For example, Goku's version is oftentimes projected from his hands, but it can also be released from his eyes. Tien's version can also be released from his hands, and can deflect and nullify ki blasts with no damage done to his surroundings. However, Uub's variation seems to channel and release the technique from his entire body, and was shown to be able to lift the tiled flooring of the World Martial Arts Tournament's arena. Furthermore, unlike the other variations, the power of Uub's Kiai is fueled by his rage rather than the concentration of his ki. Android 17 can fire a kiai from his palm that explodes upon contact with the opponent and uses it in lieu of energy attacks.

Variations

Shockwave Fist - An attack where the fist is pumped with tremendous energy, releasing a shockwave. Goku was taught this technique by Kami during his training, and he used it to defeat Chi-Chi during the 23rd World Martial Tournament.[2]

Exploding Wave – Version from the Kiai that affects the area's geomagnetic field, creating explosions in the terrain.

Spirit Shot – Version from the Kiai fired from both hands, on two different directions, and at the same time. Used by Goku.

Gravity Impact - Cell's powerful Kiai technique fired from the users left hand that generates a shockwave powerful enough to cancel even the most powerful of ki Blasts. Used by Perfect Cell in Dragon Ball: Xenoverse.[10]

Shockwave From the Fingertips - A rapid fire Kiai attack used by Third Form Frieza in the manga. In the anime and video games it is replaced with an almost identical rapid fire Death Bullet/Death Beam attack named Crazy Finger Beam.

Kamehameha Reflection - Tien's Kiai technique that can nullify or deflect ki waves like the Kamehameha.

Black Power Ball - A sphere attack used by Goku Black that can also be condensed to be used as a variation of the kiai, supercharging the attack with more force than ever.

Trivia

In Dragon Ball: Xenoverse, Tien has a Master Z-Soul called "Haaaaaaaaaaaah!" which completely nullifies damage from all Kamehameha techniques when equipped. It can be obtained by sparring with Tien after completing his training in the GT Pack 1 DLC. The Z-Soul's ability to nullify Kamehameha techniques is a reference to his Kamehameha Hane Kaeshi.

In real life martial arts, a Kiai is a shout that a martial artists yell that acts as a battle cry and serves to empower themselves through releasing their energy. The concept has become a notable part of Asian martial arts in popular culture, especially in martial arts films, in writing rendered in variants such as Hi-yah!, Aiyah!, Eeee-yah!, or Hyah!.